Routines

At Dixons McMillan Academy, we adhere to a set of routines in every lesson. Each routine has a specific purpose and students and staff strive for 100% consistency in classroom routines every single day. These routines allow students to develop their learning with minimal disruption, demonstrate respect for teachers and fellow students and serve to maximise the efficiency and productivity of every lesson.

Prisms

We use prisms to communicate effectively with teachers during lessons, in a way that is respectful and does not disrupt others. Each prism has coloured sides: green signifies confidence to continue working; amber signifies that a student is struggling with their work; and red signifies that a student is stuck and requires help immediately. By using the prisms, teachers are able to identify students who need support more quickly.

Presentation of Work

All students are expected to present their work neatly, writing in black pen, or using green for self and peer assessment or when improving work. All titles and dates are underline in pencil, using a ruler.

Literacy

All students must follow the academy's literacy routines: track the speaker, speak in full sentences and carry an appropriate Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) book. Find out more about Literacy routines here.

First Time, Every Time

Each student tracks the speaker, follows instruction and does not answer back.

Mini Whiteboards

Mini white boards are given to each student to encourage them to share and celebrate their work, as well as highlight gaps in knowledge. Students hold up their white boards on the count of three to chest height.

Exit Routine

Students exit the classroom in silence. There are three stages to the exit: pack away and be ready; stand behind chairs; line up or make your way to the next lesson in silence. This ensures there is a consistent and calm end to the lessons and minimises the transition time between lessons, which allows more time for learning.